Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped Ground turkey is lean and healthy. It keeps the meatballs moist. Breadcrumbs add texture. I suggest using panko for a light and crispy bite. Green onion gives a fresh taste and bright color. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) Garlic brings a strong flavor that complements the turkey. Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice. Low-sodium soy sauce gives umami without too much salt. Together, they create a rich, savory base. - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening) Brown sugar balances the sauce's saltiness. Sesame oil adds a nutty depth. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it cling to the meatballs. This mix creates a tasty coating that enhances every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the meatball mixture, start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 egg, lightly beaten - Salt and pepper to taste Mix everything together using your hands. Ensure all ingredients are well blended. This helps the flavors mix well and gives the meatballs a nice texture. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. Place the meatballs on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs brown nicely. Once the oven is hot, bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and lightly golden when finished. While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sauce simmers, add a thickening agent by stirring in: - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove it from heat and set it aside. After the meatballs are done, place them in a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly. Now, you can enjoy your tasty teriyaki turkey meatballs! To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F in the center. This guarantees they are safe to eat and juicy. To prevent meatballs from drying out, mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Also, adding breadcrumbs helps keep moisture inside. You can adjust the sweetness and saltiness by changing the brown sugar and soy sauce. Start with less and add more if needed. Taste as you go for the best balance. Using fresh ingredients is key for great flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger lift your dish. Fresh green onions add a nice crunch, too. Get creative with garnishing! Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and flavor. For serving, try placing the meatballs on a bed of rice or noodles. This makes a complete meal and soaks up the teriyaki sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly compared to dried versions. Keep the Meatballs Uniform: Try to make your meatballs the same size for even cooking and a consistent texture. Experiment with Glazes: Feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar or chili paste to the teriyaki sauce for a tangy kick! Serve with Sides: These meatballs pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad, making for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground turkey for other proteins. Chicken, beef, or even tofu work great. This makes the recipe versatile. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish friendly for all diets. Want a kick? Try a spicy teriyaki sauce. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to your sauce mix. This gives the meatballs a nice heat. You can also add veggies like grated carrots or chopped bell peppers to the meatball mix. This adds flavor, texture, and extra nutrients. You can serve these meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Both options soak up the teriyaki sauce well. If you want to serve them as an appetizer, make smaller meatballs. They are perfect for parties or gatherings. Just remember to provide toothpicks for easy eating! Store your leftover teriyaki turkey meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. To freeze, place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won't stick together. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them until hot. You can make these meatballs in advance for busy weeks. Cook a large batch on a weekend. Divide them into portions and store in the fridge or freezer. Pair them with rice, steamed veggies, or noodles for easy meals. You can even toss them in salads for a healthy lunch option. Teriyaki turkey meatballs take about 20 minutes to bake. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form your meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden and cooked through. If you want to pan-fry them, cook for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat. Always check if they are fully cooked with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Yes, you can make teriyaki turkey meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Noodles tossed in sesame oil - A fresh salad with a light dressing - Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level of your teriyaki turkey meatballs. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the meat mixture or sauce. For less spice, skip these ingredients. You can also balance the flavors with more sugar or soy sauce. Experiment to find the flavor that suits your taste best. You can create delicious teriyaki turkey meatballs by using simple, fresh ingredients. We explored the essential components, from ground turkey and garlic to soy sauce and ginger. I provided easy step-by-step instructions to help you mix, bake, and prepare the teriyaki sauce, along with useful cooking tips. Remember, these meatballs are versatile, allowing for various flavor and ingredient swaps. With proper storage, you can enjoy them later. Now, it’s time to enjoy your tasty creation and share it with friends or family. Your meal will impress!$

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
0.25 cup green onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 egg lightly beaten
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish toasted sesame seeds
for garnish (optional) fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onion, garlic, ginger, and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly golden.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
Serve the teriyaki turkey meatballs warm, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword easy, healthy, meatballs, teriyaki, turkey